Annie Lennox Biography

NAME: Annie Lennox

OCCUPATION: Songwriter

BIRTH DATE: December 25, 1954 (Age: 56)

EDUCATION: Royal Academy of Music in London

Singer, songwriter, composer. Born on December 25, 1954 in Scotland. With an obvious early talent for music, Lennox's parents sent her to the Royal Academy of Music in London to study the flute. While living in London, Lennox met guitarist Dave Stewart and joined a band called The Tourists. The two soon left to form the Eurythmics, which marked the beginning of a ten-year partnership. The duo produced a number of hit singles during the 1980s, including Sweet Dreams, Here Comes the Rain Again and the soul-infused rocker Would I Lie To You.

The Eurythmics quietly disbanded in 1991 when Lennox took time off to have a child, and eventually work on a solo career. In 1992, her first solo album, Diva, was released. Her soulful vocals and mature stylings showed a sophisticated departure from the electronic sounds of the 1980s. Popular singles such as Walking On Broken Glass and the haunting Why established Lennox as a serious solo artist. The album sold over 2 million copies in the U.S., and was nominated for three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.

1993 Annie won 2 Brit Awards for Best British Album and Best British Female Artist.

1995 Annie's second LP, Medusa, was released in March. The LP was a collection of cover tunes and included the hit "No More 'I Love You's'." Other tracks include Blue Nile's "Downtown Lights," The Temptations' "Can't Get Next To You," Bob Marley's "Waiting In Vain," and Neil Young's "Don't Let It Bring You Down." Annie continued to display her eccentric style in her videos and live musical performances. It's hard to forget Annie's male backup singers in ballet wear or bear suits. Medusa went on to sell over 2 million copies in the U.S. Late in 1995, an LP, Live In Central Park was released to fans in the U.K. and an accompanying video in the U.S.

1996 Annie could be heard at the movies. Annie wrote and sang backup on the Whitney Houston song "Step By Step" used in the film The Preacher's Wife. Other contributions to soundtracks and compilations LPs by Annie include: "Every Time We Say Goodbye" from the Red Hot + Blue compilation LP and video (1990) and "Love Song For A Vampire" from the Dracula soundtrack (1992), as well as House Of Groove (1993), MTV Unplugged Collection, Vol. 1 (1994), and Ain't Nuthin' But A She Thing (1995). Annie's voice can also be heard on a couple of tracks from Apollo 13 ("Dark Side Of The Moon" and "End Titles"). Annie won a Brit Award for Best Female Artist.

1997 Never one to be labeled "status quo," Annie Lennox has achieved a musical style that other artists can only dream of. Recently, Annie has been keeping a low-profile but in 1997 she contributed a track called "Dream Angus" to the Carnival compilation to benefit the rainforests. Annie is also focusing on what she has referred to as her most important role - motherhood.

1999 Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox will be teaming up publicly once again as the Eurythmics in February at the 1999 Brit Awards where they will also receive a lifetime achievement award: Outstanding Contribution to the British Music Industry award.